Rybakina’s Perfect WTA Finals Title Resets Expectations for 2026

Her late-season surge has many seeing a healthy, settled Rybakina as a major-winning threat next year.

Overview

Elena Rybakina went 5-0 in Riyadh, beating Iga Swiatek in the group stage, Jessica Pegula in the semi-final and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final to claim the WTA Finals.
The season-ending title delivered a record $5.235 million payday and 1,500 ranking points, lifting her to No. 5 in the year-end WTA rankings.
Sky Sports’ Gigi Salmon said Rybakina’s level can make her “unplayable” and warned that a fit, healthy and happy version will be “very dangerous” in 2026.
Rybakina’s coach Stefano Vukov returned in August after his provisional suspension was lifted on appeal following a WTA finding of abusive conduct, a stability factor frequently cited in assessments of her outlook.
Rivals and analysts expect a deep field next season, with Sabalenka calling 2026 “a very tough season” and Andy Roddick tipping Karolina Muchova as a player who could win a Slam.